This is a very effective and simple therapy for overcoming the physical and emotional symptoms of trauma and PTSD.  Trauma may arise from specific events or be a result of cummulative stressors through life.  It might even be hard to know what might have caused the symptoms.

Following an accident, bereavement, being a victim of crime, bullying, invasive medical procedures, emotional, physical or sexual abuse or a life-threatening event, people may be left with various physical pains or emotional difficulties.  People can be left feeling less able to function fully in life.  (See a list of the possible symptoms below.)

In Somatic Trauma Therapy sessions, using small movements and verbal guidance, you will be supported to bring your attention to physical sensations. You will also learn techniques to reduce your anxiety which you will be able to use in different situations in your life.  You will become more able to tolerate the sensations and feel less overwhelmed by them. There is no need for any physical contact and there is no need to talk about the traumatic event, we are simply helping the body complete it’s natural self-protective response, bringing you relief and the stability to enjoy life again.

A sense of safety is very important

It is very important to help you feel safe within a session and to take things at a pace with which you and your body feel comfortable.  We will take time to explore what feels safe for you.

Typically during a session we will be sitting in chairs, occasionally getting up for particular techniques.  I will be guiding you to observe and track your physical sensations and then introducing simple exercises which will help your nervous system calm and settle.

SYMPTOMS OF STRESS OR TRAUMA

• Depression, anxiety, tearfulness, panic attacks, phobias
• Poor sleeping patterns
• Feeling overwhelmed by anxiety, anger, guilt or sadness
• Flashbacks, nightmares
• Difficulty expressing or feeling emotions or feeling “stuck”
• Difficulty with concentration
• Eating disorders
• Unpleasant, painful or disturbing physical sensations
• Physical pain

The training I undertook with Simonetta Logan of the School of Holistic Therapy, was greatly informed by her long experience as a practitioner, and as a student of both Peter Levine and Babette Rothschild, both great contributors to the investigation of helping recovery from trauma.

Photo credits: Waterfall – Paul Greenwood, Yew Tree – Shirley Waldock